Cafe Brio

Victoria, BC

Shawn Soole partnered with Café Brio to refine and strengthen the systems behind one of Victoria’s most respected dining rooms—ensuring equally disciplined operational foundations match its long-standing reputation for thoughtful food and wine. Working closely with ownership and leadership, the focus has been on modernizing cost controls, tightening inventory systems, and elevating the cocktail and beverage program, all while respecting Brio’s quietly confident identity. Through strategic recalibration rather than reinvention, Café Brio is positioned for sustainable profitability, sharper guest experience, and a renewed expression of its brand across menu, bar, and service.

SERVICES RENDERED

• Financial Costing & Margin Optimization
  Conducted a full review of food and beverage costings, identifying opportunities to rebalance margins without compromising quality. Implemented clearer costing models and pricing logic to support consistent targets, improved forecasting, and long-term financial health.

• Inventory Systems & Controls
  Designed and implemented refined inventory tracking systems for wine, spirits, and key food items—reducing variance, improving accountability, and giving management clearer insight into purchasing, turnover, and cash flow.

• Cocktail Program Development
  Developed a cocktail program that complements Café Brio’s culinary philosophy and wine-forward reputation. Focused on classic structure, seasonal restraint, and operational efficiency—creating cocktails that feel intentional, profitable, and aligned with the dining experience rather than distracting from it.

• Menu Structure & Beverage Integration
  Worked on menu flow and balance to ensure food, wine, and cocktails speak the same language. Refined menu presentation and structure to support upselling, clarity, and a smoother guest journey from aperitivo to digestif.

• Brand Refresh & Identity Calibration
  Advised on subtle brand refinements—ensuring Café Brio’s visual language, menu tone, and beverage storytelling reflect its maturity, confidence, and place in the market. The goal: evolution without erosion of the brand equity built over decades.